Tag Archives: risk

Balance in your life will lead to a balanced credit profile. Planning the purchase of a home involves multiple steps and financial practices ahead of viewing new homes. A satisfactory credit rating to qualify for a mortgage is not instantaneous. It involves planning, self discipline and intimate knowledge of your personal money management.

A great number of folks do not know off the top of their heads, what their net and gross incomes are per year. Money management is key in creating and maintaining a balanced credit report with the three (3) major credit bureaus, TransUnion, Equifax and Experian. Money management is knowing exactly how many dollars are coming into your home and how many dollars are exiting. The exit dollars must be designated strategically to work for you. Knowing where each dollar is allocated will allow your goals to be met.

In order to qualify for a mortgage, your credit report will project the amount of risk a lender is willing to take by lending you funds to purchase a home. A few of the elements a lender will consider is the amount of debt you have accumulated in reference to your income (debt ratio). The amount of available credit, in reference to your monthly income may be viewed as a higher risk. Little to no credit will not provide enough of a history to calculate risk. The manner in which you pay your obligations is a risk factor. Paying debts late, riding the credit line/limit, bankruptcy, liens, foreclosures, repossessions and charge-off accounts weigh in the negative when calculating the probability of your ability to pay a mortgage payment in a timely fashion. Paying your credit obligations, on time, will increase your credit score and decrease your risk factor.

Knowing where you spend each and every dollar will also enhance your ability to qualify for a mortgage. A budget that includes saving for a down payment and closing costs will show a lender you’re disciplined and able to take care of your business. Balance in your life includes balance in your budget. Extremes in borrowing practices and running credit lines continuously up to their limits will present “red flags”. Writing down all expenditures, from fast food to gasoline will enable you to realize all money spent. Knowledge will be the foundation to grow your house buying plan.